ST. CHARLES, Mo. – St. Charles County officials say there is an urgent need for 911 dispatchers, correction workers, street crews and more. The county hopes a job fair on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will fill some of the openings.

What You Need To Know

  • St. Charles County job fair runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3557 Harry S Truman Blvd, St. Charles, Mo.

  • The county is hiring for dozens of positions, including street maintenance, 911 dispatchers, correctional officers and more 

  • County boasts good work-life balance, employer paid pension, great health care, PTO, and paid holidays

“We’re down about 10 dispatch positions as of Sept. 30, so we’re making good progress” said Jeff Smith, Director of Emergency Communications. 

St Charles County 911 dispatch says it has struggled to fill its staff recently. Just before the COVID pandemic, it was at its worst being only 50% staffed. 

Last year, the County attempted to contract dispatchers from outside the area, explained Smith. He added, “unfortunately that didn’t work out. Turns out that agency was having just as much trouble at getting dispatchers as we are.” 

Instead, the County has refocused on hiring local for the positions. Dispatchers received a pay bump last year, now making around $60,000 annually. Their shifts are 36 hours one week and 48 hours the next, resulting in a bit of “built-in” overtime. 

“It can be a rewarding job, but it also can be a thankless job. You’re the first person people talk to when they have an emergency and that’s basically what you do all day. You’re talking to people that are having their worst day all day long trying to make life a little better for them,” said Smith. 

Dispatchers also offer sit-ins so potential employees may shadow the position before going through the hiring process and training. 

Correctional Officers have “plenty of opportunity for advancement,” said Dan Keen, Director of Corrections. “If you want a fulfilling career, come check out Saint Charles County Department of Corrections. Especially if you’re looking to advance to become a police officer, an FBI agent, etcetera. This is where it starts.”

Hunt said the County jobs have a great work-life balance and benefits including employer-paid pension that’s fully funded by the employer, great health insurance, paid days off, lots of paid time off in addition to paid holidays.

The County is also looking for qualified CDL holders to help with snow removal this winter. The open positions are a result of an aging-workforce phasing out said Paul Hunt, St. Charles County Assistant Director of Human Resources. However, he explained it also provides opportunities for jobseekers. 

“It’s a chance for people in the community and job seekers to come out and interact with representatives from all our departments. We’re going to have people on site to meet with job seekers so people can learn about what a great place this is to work,” said Paul Hunt, St. Charles County Assistant Director of Human Resources.

“The job is very fulfilling, you’re able to give back and really make a difference where you live and the people in the community, and a lot of people recognize that when they come and work here. We have a lot of long-tenured employees.”

On Oct. 2, feel free to bring a resume while putting in face-time with potentially your next employer. 

“The people that you’re working with are just as happy to be here as you are. People have a smile on their face. They enjoy working here and that’s reflected in the amount of tenure a lot of our employees have and they tend to stay for a very long time because it’s a great place to work,” said Hunt.